Injured? Well, if you live in California, chances are you’ve seen countless billboards for personal injury attorneys. With so many options, and $ signs on billboards, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right personal injury attorney when you are injured and need a trusted attorney to help you get back on your feet. However, choosing the right attorney for you is not as difficult as it seems. Here are some key factors to consider when you’re looking for a personal injury attorney:
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Direct Access to Your Attorney:
This is important; REALLY IMPORTANT! Because many personal injury law firms operate on high volume basis, set firms will set you up with non-attorneys for most of your interactions, and you might barely talk to an actual attorney. Therefore, it is crucial to hire a firm where you actually deal and talk directly with the attorney handling your case.
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Building a Strong Relationship:
Your relationship with your attorney is one of the most important relationships you’ll have, akin to your relationship with your doctor, best friend, or partner. In fact, your relationship with your attorney is governed by strict rules and many parts of said relationship is clearly outlined by regulations. Remember, you are hiring an attorney because you need professional help; thus, you need to discuss important and sometimes difficult topics with your attorney. Therefore, it is paramount – so important – for you be comfortable with your attorney who genuinely cares about you and dedicates time to your case. Imagine being in a relationship but never talking to your partner—instead, you talk to a case manager. That wouldn’t work, right? So, in order for you to have a strong relationship with your attorney, you must personally know your attorney and have direct to your attorney!
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Clear Communication:
Now you know your attorney and you have direct contact with your attorney. Great! Because your relationship with your attorney is personal to you, your attorney must be able to understand you and articulate their thoughts in simple, clear language. Legal jargon can be confusing, so it’s important that your attorney can explain things in a way that makes sense to you. Communication with your attorney is key to your case’s success.
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Honesty and Realistic Expectations:
Because of the competitive nature of the legal market, some attorneys might be overly excited to take your case without actually looking into it. Therefore, you need an attorney who is honest and doesn’t give you false hope just to sign you up. Your attorney must properly evaluate your case and give you their honest take on it. So remember: your relationship with your attorney is one of trust so it is essential to have an attorney who can compassionately tell you the hard truth, so you have realistic expectations about your case.
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Experience and Transparency:
Albert Einstein once said, “the only source of knowledge is experience.” So, keep this in mind: hire an attorney who has the experience to handle your case and isn’t shy about showing you their track record. Ask your attorney about their experience, knowledge, education and training. Experience matters, and you want someone who knows the ins and outs of personal injury law and knows how to deal with insurance companies!
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Comfort and Trust:
“Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.” Stephen R. Covey. You must feel comfortable with your attorney and have a good feeling about them. Remember, it’s a relationship, you must be comfortable in it, and trust is key.
By keeping these six factors in mind, you’ll discover that choosing a personal injury attorney in California isn’t as daunting as it might seem. Let your choice be driven by your knowledge and common sense, not $ signs on billboards. Take your time, do your research and ask questions so you can choose an attorney who is right for you. Give us a call today, we would love to earn your trust.